Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has served over 62 million passengers over the last 50 years. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, the airport held a party in its grand hall today and unveiled a new logo.
The new logo will be used on airport marketing materials, social media and other printed airport items until November 23, 2014.
“This logo has significance with the airport because it’s our golden anniversary and it showcases where we have been and where we are going,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks.
“We are excited to celebrate this anniversary with the West Michigan community and we would not be where we are without the passengers who have contributed to our fifty years of success.”
Today’s celebration was open to the public and included cupcakes, popcorn, giveaways and contests. Five lucky people won five free days of parking. In addition, one lucky person won a $200 car detail courtesy of Crystal Clean Car Detail Service.
The airport officially opened at its current location on 44th Street on November 23, 1963 as the Kent County Airport. It became the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in December 1999.
The Gerald R. Ford International airport served 230,875 passengers in its first full year of service in 1964. In 2012, 2,134,956 passengers flew out of the airport.
GFIA will continue to celebrate its 50th Anniversary throughout 2013-14. Stay tuned to the airport’s Facebook and Twitter: @FlyGRFord for more celebratory events and giveaways.
